The course will be delivered by lecture and seminar. In the seminar, students will be expected to share their findings, experiences, and writing. At least one individual interview with the instructor will be required.
- Review of Professional Readiness
Successful students will review: - writing market analysis
- networks and networking
- job-hunting/freelancing strategies
- cover letters and resume-writing
- professional writing and writing-related associations
- basic business skills
- Work Experience Debriefing
- Students will provide an oral report on their work-experience position (PRFU 2400) for classmates.
- Portfolio Preparation
Successful students will: - explore current job options for work in various fields
- finalize a personal job-search plan
- produce various job packages for specific job opportunities
- make job application(s)
- practise interviewing skills
- participate in simulated job interviews, using videotapes
- finalize a personal business-development plan
- examine different styles of portfolio construction (different content and different formats)
- construct a generic portfolio
- construct a job-specific portfolio
- present the generic portfolio
PRFU 2490 is the last of four professional readiness courses intended to help students develop a career as a professional writer. It is an integrated, capstone course for the Print Futures Program. Students will review their previous professional readiness courses in the context of their work experience in PRFU 2400. They will expand on their job-search and job-creation skills and produce a sophisticated job-search/business-development strategy. Working under the direction of the instructor, they will prepare a writing portfolio that must be presented to the College and business community in the annual Portfolio Show.
Students will demonstrate their mastery of course material through assignments, involvement in group work, and participation in the Portfolio Show.
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.
Evaluation will be based on this general format:
| Individual / group projects | 30% |
| Portfolio presentation | 30% |
| Statements of undertaking (i.e., contracts) | 30% |
| Professionalism (as defined) | 10% |
| 100% |
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
None